For one reason or another I am fond of the south of France. Perhaps one of the reasons why is not far out from any city is a wee bit of paradise.
Take last Saturday night. I had dinner with Irene Trollert and her husband Philippe; they are the owners of Mas D’Auzieres in Pic St. Loup.
Picture the UBC endowment lands a wee bit further out of the city, with Cypress mountain in the back ground, with of course the odd vineyard planted.
View from Mas Des Dames
We finished dinner at 11:00pm, cleaned the dishes and went to bed. Much to my astonishment I woke up at 11:00am on Sunday rested. No horns, motorcycles racing around, no parties just restful sleep, it should the rule rather than the exception.
With passionate people like Irene the once lauded region is full of promise. It’s an international who’s who, Dutch, Americans, and Brits and yes the French fed up with Paris leaving their successful careers and starting over again, this is s huge leap of faith, good thing they have money. Those blessed with great terroir, they all tell you its great, will make profound wines, and the best is yet to come.
The real strength in the region is value wines. I don’t come here looking for the next $100.00 bottle of wine 99 point wine, no way, not a chance. I come here looking for values. Wines with authenticity, made by people who enjoy wine, food and friends, and these wines are aplenty. Many of them will retail for under $20.00 and man do they pack a punch. They are not boring, the whites are fresh and vibrant and the reds full and refreshing.
Lidewij Van Wilgen - the new face of the Languedoc
